Football 2 years ago

DiBernardo brings glory to Perth

American midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo has announced her W-League arrival in spectacular fashion by scoring two stunning goals to help Perth leapfrog into second on the ladder with a 2-0 win over the Roar in Brisbane.

DiBernardo only arrived in Australia this week and had yet to train with many of her Glory teammates before the match, but still managed to find the net after just eight on Sunday minutes at Suncorp Stadium.

The goal was a perfectly hit strike from the edge of the penalty area that flew past Roar goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer, but the match-sealer was even more spectacular.

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DiBernardo, an Under-20 World Cup winner in 2012, collected the ball 35 metres out from goal and managed to beat Kopmeyer with a remarkable lobbed effort struck on the turn.

It was a much-needed win for last season's premiers who had endured an erratic start to the campaign.

There was, however, a sour note for the Glory when star Matildas forward Sam Kerr exited the game early with what initially looked like a serious ankle injury.

However, Glory coach Bobby Despotovski believes Kerr, after missing much of last season with a knee injury, will be back on the park within a matter of weeks.

"Our physios and doctors don't think it is anything too serious that will keep her out of the game for a long period of time, but we will have a scan back in Perth and hopefully put that to bed," he said.

Western Sydney made a surprise jump into equal second with a deserved 3-1 win over Melbourne Victory.

Last season's wooden-spooners had the better of the Victory for much of the contest and duly collected their first home win for nearly two years.

The Wanderers sit alongside Adelaide United and Perth in a three-way tie for second.

The congested ladder has allowed Melbourne City to extend their lead at the summit to eight points thanks to a 2-0 win on Saturday over Adelaide.

A goal in each half from Larissa Crummer and Jess Fishlock proved enough for the competition's newest team to extend their record to five wins from as many starts.

Champions Canberra United continued their stumbling start to the season, held to a scoreless draw by Newcastle.